The UK has been in lockdown for over 8 weeks now, and it is definitely taking its toll on the population, with many people still forced to work at home.
It can be hard to find that we suddenly have a lot more time on our hands, especially if you’re like me and you need to stay busy. So, whether you’re waiting for your next school year to start, or you’ve just graduated into the pandemic, I can help!
In this blog post, I’ve put together 5 ways to make the most of lockdown
1. Learn a language
I’ve been learning French for almost 8 years now, and I love it! Learning a language is always a fun and interesting skill to pick up.
It doesn’t have to be something high-level or complicated. Simply using an online site to learn the basics of the language is a good, productive way to pass the time. Additionally, if you’re on a job hunt, learning a language always looks good for potential employees.
2. Pick up a hobby
I’m sure there’s something that you’ve never had time to do because you’ve been busy with work or school. So, this is the perfect time to go back to an old hobby or passion project – or you could even pick up something new!
I’ve turned to my blog now that I have a bit more time, but there are so many creative ways to make the most of lockdown, including:
- Reading
- Cooking
- Gardening
- Painting
- Crafting
- Playing a musical instrument
It’s important to find the right passion project for you. Think about any skills you want to grow or any new experiences you want to try out.
3. Start a home workout routine
I am definitely not a fitness expert, but I’ve found it easier to exercise when I have a regular workout time and routine, adding a little structure to my day without having to exert too much effort.
There are lots of apps available to plan a regular routine, so this doesn’t have to be anything too complicated.
4. Get cooking!
I don’t normally cook for myself, seeing as I’m lucky enough to live with my parents, but I’ve enjoyed making a few meals for my family.
Cooking is a mindful, fun activity to enjoy by yourself or with other people. You could bake, cook a few healthy foods or just experiment with a few new recipes.
5. Communicate with others in your situation
I’ve found it really beneficial to communicate with other people in the same situation as me, including recent graduates. This is mainly a question of calling and messaging my friends and family, and I also write articles for my University newspaper, The Yorker.
Joining Twitter blogging group chats also helps me connect with people who are just as bored of this lockdown as me!
Do you have any tips for managing UK lockdown? Do you have any skills you want to pick up now we have more time on our hands? How are you spending your time in lockdown?
Leave all your thoughts in the comments below, I’d love to hear from you 🙂
Happy reading x
Not-So-Modern Girl 
I would recommend a social media detox to clear your head of all the anxiety and news of terrible hints happening and also the pressure of doing a lot of things that are productive/ comparing, etc.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s such a good idea! I recently went off Facebook anyway (before this started) but I think it’s so important to avoid negative thoughts 🙂
LikeLike
sounds like you’re keeping things positive despite lockdown
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m trying! Hope it’s not been too difficult for you too
LikeLike
Great post! I am currently learning Spanish, working out a lot more than I used to and practicing piano.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow that sounds like a really good use of your time! Thanks for dropping by 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
During quarantine I started my food blog and began doing daily yoga! It’s great to have some structure and somewhat of a schedule in the midst of the craziness
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes that sounds great! I’ve been doing a lot more blogging since my studies finished as I’ve got so much more time on my hands 🙂
LikeLike
Great suggestions here. I have kinda thrown myself in to work and house jobs to keep me busy during this time. Seeing the difference in the house has really helped keep my mood up x
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds really productive! Glad you’ve found something to keep you occupied 🙂
LikeLike
You have some great tips! I’m still working, and so is my husband, so the biggest thing that’s changed is we’re not leaving the house except to go to the grocery store roughly every two weeks. We miss the movie theater the most. We have done some take-away and drive-through eating, but not a lot. I’m definitely cooking more and trying new recipes. I’ve been blogging a lot more, reading nearly every night before bed, and trying to stay away from Facebook multiple times a day. We walk our dogs twice a day and try to ride our bikes as much as we can, weather-permitting. I just watched all four Toy Story movies last week between Thursday and Sunday, and that helped me a lot!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sounds like you’ve been keeping busy, which is always important! Cooking is always nice, and getting out is so important, even if it’s just for a bike ride or to walk the dogs 🙂 thanks for dropping by, those are some great tips!
LikeLike
Great post!
I have spent a lot of lockdown working on a few of my passion projects and have found that has really helped keep me in good spirits x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Yes I agree, keeping busy with things we enjoy can be such a good way to pass the time and still feel productive! Thanks for sharing 🙂 x
LikeLiked by 1 person
These are great ideas to keep you busy during lockdown! I have been enjoying the sun and working on my blog
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Those have been my focuses too 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, yours is so lovely 🙂
LikeLike
Ah that sounds like a great way to keep creative in this difficult situation!
LikeLike
I had no idea that the UK was still on lockdown, I know that must not be fun but I’m glad to see that yall are talking it seriously, over a month ago they lifted the stay at home order where I am at. That is such a good list though, I know I was focusing on hobbies, I am still trying to stay home as much as possible.
LikeLiked by 1 person
In fairness it’s being lifted a little here now too, but we’re still encouraged to stay at home as much as possible! Thank you so much 🙂
LikeLike
Lockdown has meant I can spend more time on my blog, I’ve managed to write some poems and, as you recommend, I’ve been learning Spanish with my son. You’re right about keeping things positive!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too! Ah that sounds like a great use of your time- I’m glad you’re learning a new skill 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I took to tidying and decluttering and donated several boxes to our local church’s rummage sale (for a future safe date). Watching documentaries on PBS has been illuminating, and indulging in long reads like Gaskell’s Wives and Daughters and then immediately watching the BBC series has been a double delight.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They sound like great ways to keep busy, I’m glad you’ve been finding ways to enjoy yourself :)!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve cooked SO much more lately and started up doing yoga daily! My blog has been able to take up most of my time now but it’s fun to have other hobbies to pick up as well 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds great- I’ve actually been working out as well which has been a new thing I’ve picked up since lockdown 🙂 glad you’ve found a way to occupy your time x
LikeLike
That’s okay, thank you for your comment 🙂 that’s great that you’ve been given a little more freedom- it’s been eased a little here but still not a lot. Learning a language is very rewarding, but I’m sure that will keep you very busy!
LikeLike
I suppose also that learning C, C++, JavaScript, Python and PHP and whatever other programming languages I will learn over the next few years might count 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooh yes they sound very impressive!
LikeLike
Wow that sounds really productive- I’m glad you’ve found something fun to do 🙂
LikeLike
I’ve worked really hard to get back into a workout routine since I’ve got an extra hour after work thanks to the fact I’m no longer commuting! I’ve also been using the time to work on my blog too which has meant I’ve been able to spend longer working on posts that would normally take me forever to write because I was just spending half an hour or so on them in the evenings. I’ve been very tempted to start learning a language as well but I haven’t really known where to start! x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow that’s great that you’re usually that (normally busy) time well 🙂 Starting a language can be really fun, although I definitely think it’s hard to teach yourself (mainly for motivation reasons). There’s a few apps such as Duolingo you can try out, but it sounds like you’ve got some good ways to pass the time anyway, thanks for reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s great that you’ve pushed yourself to go out of your comfort zone! That’s a great idea, I’m glad you enjoyed my post 🙂 x
LikeLike
Thank you so much! That sounds really nice- I’m glad you’ve been finding ways to enjoy the time and stay connected to people you love 🙂 x
LikeLike
Great ideas here 🙂 I’ve been learning sign language as a way to get through and so I can communicate with more people when this is all over!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a lovely idea- and keeps you productive as well 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow that’s impressive- it’s definitely good to stay positive and make the most of it, I agree. No worries, I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
LikeLike
The lockdown here has been lifted but it is advisable to stay home. But during the lockdown, I’ve learnt so much about blogging and using Pinterest to send traffic to my blog. It’s been amazing so far. Thanks for sharing
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow that’s great! I’ve never used Pinterest, but it sounds like you’ve really got into the swing of things 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve been learning Spanish through Duolingo and I’ve been loving it, it’s keeping my brain sharp! I’ve managed to create a better workout routine than I had pre lockdown and I’m loving exercising more than ever now! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow that sounds like you’ve really been making the most of lockdown!
LikeLike
I’ve been doing everything you’ve mentioned except for learning a new language. That sounds like a great idea – I’d really love to learn French and Spanish.
LikeLike
Ooh I hope you enjoy it if you give it a go 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good tips!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice ideas!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you! That sounds great, I think it’s a great idea to do something that will prove useful 🙂
LikeLike
U r definitely motivating everyone to make most of their time during this lockdown to learn something productive
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person